New Delhi: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have conducted intensive nationwide testing across the entire supply chain of E20 petrol amid recent media reports regarding the presence of moisture and high levels of chloride in ethanol-blended petrol. According to the OMCs, the extensive testing found that fuel quality remains well within the prescribed specifications, and claims of chloride levels as high as 500 ppm were not validated by the tests.

The OMCs said fuel quality remains a top priority and that any issue potentially affecting vehicle performance or consumer confidence is addressed through scientific investigation and corrective measures.

Chloride monitoring strengthened across the supply chain

The Government of India has prescribed stringent chloride specifications for ethanol used in petrol blending. Monitoring is being carried out at multiple points, including refineries, distilleries, depots, terminals and retail outlets across the country.

In addition to existing quality-control protocols, OMCs have further intensified surveillance through water-ingress and density testing at retail outlets. According to the companies, underground storage tanks are being inspected 8–12 times daily, while mobile fuel-quality testing laboratories have also been deployed at various locations.

Refinery petrol samples show chloride below 1 ppm

More than 100 randomly selected petrol samples from different refineries were tested as part of the additional testing programme. The OMCs said all samples recorded chloride levels at or below 1 ppm, indicating that the fuel dispatched from refineries was within the prescribed quality parameters.

Ethanol samples from 80 distilleries tested

Ethanol is the principal blending component used in E20 petrol. A dedicated task force comprising representatives of OMCs and the Centre for High Technology (CHT) tested ethanol samples from 80 distilleries across the country over the past 10 days.

According to the findings shared by the OMCs, all tested samples recorded chloride levels of less than 3 ppm, significantly below the applicable specification.

E20 samples at depots and terminals also within limits

Testing was also carried out at OMC depots and terminals to assess fuel quality during storage and distribution. More than 80 samples collected from terminals across the country reportedly recorded chloride levels below 3 ppm.

The OMCs said the results indicate that quality continues to be maintained as fuel moves through the storage and distribution network.

Retail outlets: More than 160 samples analysed

Under the intensified monitoring programme, more than 160 samples from retail outlets were analysed for chloride content in recent days. The OMCs said the samples showed chloride levels in the range of 0–3 ppm, contradicting claims of chloride concentrations running into several hundred parts per million.

The surveillance programme did identify two isolated instances of elevated chloride levels. According to the OMCs, supplies from the affected locations were immediately suspended. Detailed root-cause investigations and corrective measures were subsequently undertaken before supplies were restored.

Nearly 90,000 petrol pumps under water-ingress monitoring

Water contamination has also been a focus of the intensified quality checks. Around 90,000 retail outlets have commenced mandatory inspection and monitoring of underground storage tanks.

The OMCs said these tanks are being inspected 8–12 times every day and that the inspections conducted so far have not detected any water ingress.

OMCs reassure consumers about E20 quality

The OMCs said the latest testing has further strengthened their confidence in the quality-control systems operating across the E20 supply chain. Quality surveillance will continue at refineries, distilleries, terminals, tank trucks and retail outlets.

The companies emphasised that whenever any deviation is detected, supplies are promptly suspended and corrective action is initiated.

The OMCs have advised consumers to continue using E20 petrol with confidence, stating that fuel supplied through their network conforms to prescribed quality specifications and is supported by quality-assurance and monitoring mechanisms designed to safeguard consumer interests.

A tabulated summary of the test results has been made available on the official website of the Centre for High Technology (CHT) and is expected to be updated as additional test results become available.